Kela eases benefit application for Ukrainian refugees

The national social insurance institution- Kela has introduced a new application form that will make it easier for people fleeing Ukraine to apply for the benefits to which they are entitled, said Kela in a press release on Monday.

For the first time, Kela is trying out a new combined application form for a Kela card and child benefit.

The new form is available in both Ukrainian and Russian, and other key forms will also be translated into these languages.

Many who fled Ukraine due to the Russian invasion have now lived in Finland for a year and are thus eligible for benefits from Kela.

Based on 12 months of residence or long-term employment, Ukrainians can apply for child benefit, housing allowance and other benefits.

They also qualify for a Kela card, which allows them to get reimbursements for prescription medicine expenses.

To simplify the application process, Kela has introduced a new form, UA 1, making it possible to apply for a Kela card and child benefit at the same time.

“This is a first for us as well. It is the first time that we have combined two different applications on one form. We want to make it as easy as possible for the people who have fled the war in Ukraine to apply for benefits, and thus do our part in supporting them in the new situation they are in and promote their integration in Finland,” said Pilvi Vanne, Customer Relations Manager of Kela.

More than 45,000 Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion have arrived in Finland since March 2022.

Kela is ready to provide services to these Ukrainians and to ensure their income security. People who have fled the war in Ukraine are entitled to Kela benefits on the conditions set down in the Finnish legislation in force.

Someone can apply for benefits even if they have not made a decision to stay in Finland permanently.